Summer blockbuster season is here, and one of the most anticipated returns is finally hitting theaters: The Devil Wears Prada 2. Twenty years after the original became a cultural phenomenon, Anne Hathaway and Meryl Streep are back as Andy Sachs and Miranda Priestly. But the big question on everyone's mind is whether this legacy sequel can match the magic of the first film. Early Rotten Tomatoes scores suggest it's a close call.
The original Devil Wears Prada earned a 75% critic score and 76% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes—solid but not groundbreaking. It didn't top the charts for Streep or Hathaway, but it struck a chord with audiences worldwide, grossing $326 million on a $35 million budget. Now, the sequel is following a similar path, debuting with a 75% critic score from 60 reviews. That's a strong start, but does it hold up to the hype?
What the Critics Are Saying
Early reviews are mostly positive, with many praising the film's ability to balance nostalgia with fresh storytelling. Taylor Gates of Collider gave it an 8/10, calling it a “near-perfect blend of nostalgia and newness.” Brandon Zachary of ScreenRant awarded it a 7/10, noting that the long-awaited sequel “delivers more than just sleek looks.” However, Julian Roman of MovieWeb was more measured, rating it 3 out of 5 and saying that while “fans of the original will be pleased,” casual viewers might not find it as endearing.
For those who loved the original, the sequel promises a reunion that feels both familiar and evolved. The film brings back director David Frankel and stars Emily Blunt as Emily Charlton, now Andy's rival. Stanley Tucci and Justin Theroux also return, adding to the ensemble that made the first film so memorable.
What Happens in The Devil Wears Prada 2?
The story picks up years after the original. Andy, now a seasoned journalist, crosses paths again with Miranda Priestly, but this time they face off against Emily Charlton, who has become Andy's professional adversary. The film explores themes of power, loyalty, and the cost of ambition in the high-stakes world of fashion media. It's a reunion that fans have been waiting two decades for, and early buzz suggests it delivers on that promise.
If you're curious about how the sequel stacks up against the original, check out our full review: Anne Hathaway and Meryl Streep Shine in 'The Devil Wears Prada 2': A Nostalgic Triumph. And for a deeper dive into what makes this sequel work, read The Devil Wears Prada 2: 6 Must-Haves for a Fashionable Sequel.
Is the Score Good Enough?
With a 75% Rotten Tomatoes score, The Devil Wears Prada 2 is sitting comfortably in the same range as the original. That's a solid achievement for a legacy sequel, especially one that had to live up to such high expectations. While it may not be a critical masterpiece, it's clearly resonating with fans who have been waiting for this reunion. The film's box office performance will be the ultimate test, but early signs are promising.
For more on how the original film's streaming surge signaled the sequel's success, see Streaming Surge for Original 'Devil Wears Prada' Signals Blockbuster Sequel in April 2026. And if you're wondering how this compares to other recent releases, check out Is Apple TV's 'Widow's Bay' Worth the Hype? A Perfect Rotten Tomatoes Score Says Yes.
Ultimately, The Devil Wears Prada 2 is a worthy successor that honors the original while carving its own path. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, this sequel offers enough style, wit, and drama to make it a must-see this summer.
